VPN Error 691 in Windows 11: 8 Ways to Fix the Connection

VPN Error 691 in Windows 11 usually appears when you try to connect to a VPN, and Windows rejects the connection because the username or password is incorrect, the account is not authorized, or the VPN connection settings do not match the server. The error message may say:

“The remote connection was denied because the user name and password combination you provided is not recognized, or the selected authentication protocol is not permitted on the remote access server.”

However, incorrect login details are not the only possible cause. VPN settings, authentication protocols, account permissions, or problems with the VPN server can also trigger Error 691.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to fix VPN Error 691 in Windows 11, starting with checking your credentials and VPN settings before moving on to authentication and network-related solutions.

Why Does VPN Error 691 Happen in Windows 11?

VPN Error 691 is generally an authentication or authorization problem. Windows can reach the VPN connection, but the remote VPN server rejects the credentials or the connection request.

Common causes include:

• Incorrect username or password
• Expired or disabled VPN account
• Incorrect VPN connection settings
• An authentication protocol that the VPN server does not accept
• A VPN account already being connected elsewhere
• Incorrect security settings in the Windows VPN connection
• Problems with the VPN server or network configuration

If the same VPN account works on another device, the problem is more likely related to the Windows 11 VPN settings. If it fails everywhere, your VPN account or server may need attention.

1. Check Your VPN Username and Password

The most common reason for VPN Error 691 is incorrect authentication details. Even a small difference in the username or password can cause Windows to reject the connection.

Before changing advanced settings, verify that you’re using the correct credentials provided by your VPN provider, workplace, or network administrator.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
2. Select your VPN connection and click Advanced options if available.
3. Check the username you’re using for the VPN.
4. Re-enter the password carefully.
5. If your VPN provider uses a specific username format, such as domain\username, make sure you enter it exactly as provided.
6. Try connecting again.

If the password was recently changed, update the saved credentials in Windows rather than continuing to use the old password.

2. Check Whether Your VPN Account Is Still Active

VPN Error 691 can also appear when the account you’re using is no longer authorized to connect. This can happen with workplace VPNs, school networks, or paid VPN services when an account expires, is disabled, or reaches a connection limit.

• Check whether your VPN subscription or account is still active.
• If it’s a work or school VPN, confirm that your account still has VPN access.
• Check whether the same account is already connected on another device.
• If your VPN provider has a web account, sign in and check for any account or security notifications.
• Ask the VPN administrator to confirm that your username is permitted to access the VPN server.

If the account works normally on another device, the issue is more likely related to the Windows 11 VPN configuration rather than your account.

Quick Insight: Error 691 does not always mean the password is wrong. The VPN server can also reject a valid username when that account isn’t authorized to establish a connection.

3. Check VPN Security and Authentication Settings

Windows 11 must use an authentication method supported by the VPN server. If the VPN protocol or authentication settings are incorrect, the server may reject the connection and show Error 691.

This is particularly important for manually configured VPN connections.

1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Find your VPN connection, right-click it, and select Properties.
3. Open the Security tab.
4. Check the VPN type and authentication settings.
5. If your VPN provider or network administrator specifies a particular authentication protocol, select that option.
6. If you’re unsure which settings to use, contact the VPN provider or administrator rather than randomly enabling different protocols.
7. Click OK and try connecting again.

For example, a VPN server configured for a specific authentication method may reject a Windows connection using an incompatible setting.

4. Remove and Recreate the VPN Connection

A corrupted or incorrectly saved VPN profile can cause Windows 11 to send outdated connection or authentication settings to the VPN server. Removing the existing profile and creating it again can resolve Error 691.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
2. Select the affected VPN connection.
3. Click Remove.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Return to Settings > Network & internet > VPN.
6. Click Add VPN.
7. Enter the VPN provider, server address, VPN type, and sign-in information exactly as provided by your VPN provider or network administrator.
8. Save the connection and try connecting again.

If your VPN provider offers a dedicated Windows app, reinstalling or recreating the connection through that app may be preferable to manually configuring it.

5. Check for Another Active VPN Connection

Some VPN servers limit how many connections can use the same account at the same time. If your account is already connected on another computer, phone, or VPN client, the server may reject a new connection with Error 691.

1. Disconnect the VPN from your other devices.
2. Close any other VPN applications running on your Windows 11 PC.
3. Check whether another Windows VPN connection is currently active.
4. Wait a few minutes after disconnecting before trying again.
5. Connect to the VPN again.

If you’re using a work or school VPN, the administrator may also have a limit on the number of simultaneous connections.

Quick Insight: If the VPN account works after disconnecting another device, the problem was likely related to the server’s connection limit rather than your Windows 11 credentials.

6. Restart VPN and Network Services

Windows network services handle VPN connections, authentication, and network communication in the background. If one of these services becomes stuck, restarting them can clear temporary connection problems.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Look for Remote Access Connection Manager.
3. Right-click it and select Restart. If it isn’t running, select Start.
4. Also check Remote Access Auto Connection Manager and restart it if available.
5. Close the Services window.
6. Restart your PC and try the VPN connection again.

If the VPN uses additional software or services supplied by your VPN provider, make sure those services are running as well.

Quick Insight: Restarting these services can help when the VPN profile and credentials are correct, but Windows is having trouble establishing the connection.

7. Reset Network Settings in Windows 11

If VPN Error 691 continues after checking the account and VPN configuration, a damaged network configuration may be contributing to the problem. Windows 11 includes a network reset option that reinstalls network adapters and returns network settings to their defaults.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings.
2. Scroll down and select Network reset.
3. Click Reset now.
4. Confirm the reset and restart your PC when prompted.
5. Recreate your VPN connection if Windows removed its VPN-related network configuration.
6. Try connecting again.

Keep in mind that a network reset can remove saved network settings and adapters, so you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi or configure other network connections afterward.

Quick Insight: Use network reset after checking your VPN credentials and profile first. It is more useful when other network or VPN connections are also behaving unexpectedly.

8. Check the VPN Server or Contact Your Administrator

If the previous fixes don’t resolve VPN Error 691, the problem may be on the VPN server rather than your Windows 11 PC. This is especially likely if the same account fails to connect from multiple devices.

• Try connecting with the same VPN account from another device.
• Check whether other users can connect to the same VPN server.
• Confirm that the VPN server address and account details are still correct.
• For a work or school VPN, contact the network administrator and ask them to verify your account permissions and authentication settings.
• For a commercial VPN service, check its service status or contact support.

If the VPN works on another device but not on your Windows 11 PC, return to the earlier steps and check the VPN profile, authentication settings, and Windows network configuration.

Quick Insight: When Error 691 occurs across multiple devices with the same account, changing Windows settings is unlikely to solve the underlying problem. The VPN account or server configuration needs to be checked.

Final Checks

Before contacting your VPN provider or network administrator, run through these quick checks:

• Re-enter the VPN username and password.
• Confirm that your VPN account is active and authorized.
• Make sure the VPN type and authentication method match the server.
• Remove and recreate the VPN profile if its settings may be corrupted.
• Disconnect the same VPN account from other devices.
• Restart the Remote Access Connection Manager service.
• Try the connection after a network reset if other network settings are also causing problems.
• Test the VPN on another device to determine whether the problem is specific to Windows 11.

If Error 691 continues after these steps, the VPN server or account configuration may need to be checked by your VPN provider or network administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions